Round 4b: RB-S Sione Vaki (Utah): Pick # 132 (2024)

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Lions trade up again, land Utah S/RB Sione Vaki in the fourth round

2024 NFL draft: Lions trade up again, land Utah S/RB Sione Vaki in fourth round

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This new thread is a continuation of the following thread:

Lions to host S Sione Vaki (Utah):Pre-Draft Visit

detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/2107/lions-host-sione-draft-visit


This new thread relates to the following threads:

NFL Draft Preview: Defensive Backs ( 2024 )

detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/2036/draft-preview-defensive-backs-2024

Lions Defensive Backs situation ( 2024 season )

detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/2096/lions-defensive-backs-situation-season

In the 'Lions to host S Sione Vaki (Utah):Pre-Draft Visit' thread, I expressed the following:

Sione Vaki could easily be the most versatile player in the 2024 Draft, with a draftable grade by multiple NFL teams. Though Vaki might not be a starting caliber player at any position on either side of the ball. His short arm length and below average long speed (4.62 49 at the Combine) limit his upside potential on either side of the ball. Yet, because of Vaki's versatility, which could save one or two roster overall and Game Day roster spots, he's probably worth considering by the Lions as early as Pick # 163 in Round 5. With Round 6 probably the best realistic fit for him.

The following in that thread should read, (4.62 40 at the Combine).

At the very least, the first 4 players the Lions selected in the 2024 Draft had Pre-Draft Visits with the Lions: Terrion Arnold, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Giovanni Manu, and Sione Vaki. The importance of these visits for the Lions is enormous.

On the Lions Official Website, Sione Vaki is currently being listed as a RB.

Much like with Giovanni Manu, the Lions valued Sione Vaki more than I expected. The Lions gave up the equivalent of at least an upper half 4th Round Pick in the 2024 draft.

I believe one of the reasons why the Lions value Sione Vaki to the extent of giving up as much as the Lions did is Brad Holmes and co. probably are of the opinion that Vaki can develop into the Lions Primary Kickoff Returner. His Special Teams Coverage abilities also likely were a significant factor as well. The fact that Vaki could help the Lions from a roster logistic standpoint is also significant.

It's challenging enough for a rookie to learn one position, let alone multiple positions. Even though the Lions needed depth at Safety going into the draft, if the plan for Vaki is to attend Offensive side of the ball meetings and practice on that side of the ball, he might only be used as an emergency option at Safety as a rookie. With Vaki's practice and classroom time at Safety expanding in the 2025 season.

One thing in particular I'm highly confident about is Sione Vaki is a great culture fit for the Lions.

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Grading the Lions selection of RB Sione Vaki in fourth round

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I'm anticipating Sione Vaki is going to see plenty of action in the pre-season, if he's relatively healthy during the 3 weeks of the pre-season. Whichever position(s) Vaki plays, he's going to need PLENTY of practice reps and pre-season snaps.

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Why Detroit Lions view do-it-all Sione Vaki as RB: 'He looked so natural'

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In addition to Sione Vaki being highly motivated player and a team player, he's physical conditioning is terrific. Vaki is a football player version of a Swiss Army Knife.

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Sione Vaki knows he'll 'earn his stripes' on special teams in Detroit

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Even as a rookie, I'm anticipating that Sione Vaki will be somewhere in the top 5 of Lions players in the amount of Special Teams snaps for the 2024 season. This is providing that Vaki remains relatively healthy the vast majority of the season. Vaki is going to have a lot on his plate, which he handled very well with Utah. It will be an even greater challenge in the NFL, with much more preparation needed and much better competition both in games (externally) and on his own team (internally).

[D6]

Get to know Utah's Sione Vaki, Lions' fourth-round draft pick

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Sione Vaki shares a Tonga connection with T-G Giovanni Manu, who the Lions traded up for, 6 picks before trading up for Vaki.

Round 4a: T Giovanni Manu (UBC-Canada): Pick # 126 (2024)

detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/2141/round-giovanni-manu-canada-pick

The Lions have a history in the last decade of 4th Round players that became core NFL Special Teams Players: Jalen Reeves-Maybin (2017) and Miles Killebrew (2016)-who's been a core Special Teams player for the Steelers since signing with the Steelers as an UFA in 2021).